Finding the warmest winter coats for women isn't always easy. You know you have found one of the best winter coats when it is one you actually want to wear. It sounds obvious, but it won’t keep you snug if it’s left hanging in the hallway.
Whether you’re after a lightweight, foldable coat for active days, something smart and chic for days and evenings out, or a big, snuggly parka for watching sport from the side lines, you’ve come to the right place.
How we picked the warmest winter coats for women
To find the very warmest winter coats, we got in touch with all of our fashion contacts for the lowdown on their brands’ cosiest numbers. The below is a round-up of both bestsellers and those with the most-impressive customer reviews.
Warmest winter coats for women to buy now
Launching in 2019 to sell-out success, Regatta has extended their range of heated coats this season to include short quilted and waterproof active jackets. A thoughtful touch, but we think if you’re splashing out on a heated coat, you’re likely to want to go the whole hog with a longline parka – hence why the Voltera II has taken our top spot.
So, just how does a heated coat work? This one has heated panels strategically placed around the back and chest, providing you extra warmth where you need it most. They’re powered by rechargeable copper and you can choose from three different heat settings, depending on your needs. Once activated, they’ll keep you toasty for up to six hours. It’s worth noting that the power bank is not included, so you’ll need to buy that separately before taking your new winter coat for its first spin.
The rest of this parka is pretty impressive, too. The fabric is not only breathable, but water-repellent, protecting you from all weather conditions. Lightweight insulation will help you avoid a bulky look without compromising on performance. Even better, this coat is machine washable up to 30°C, as long as the power bank has been removed.
Best known for their high-end wellies (did you know they hold the Royal Warrants of Appointment for both HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh?), British brand Hunter knows a thing or two about shielding us from the elements.
Their Original Insulated Parka features a drawstring hood, adjustable snap cuffs and inner sleeve cuff gaiters to make sure not even a whisper of wind can make its way in. Seeing off the chill in temperatures as low as -25°C, it can double as a ski jacket, too.
This is where the breathable fabric really comes into its own, evaporating sweat away from your body as you swoosh your way down the slopes. Sealed seams stop rain, snow or even spills from seeping through.
Proving that functional clothes needn’t look functional, this high-tech parka is a treat for the eyes, too. Choose between off-white, grey and black, complete with contrast stitching, depending on your style.
Getting caught out in the rain is not only bad news for our hair (hello, frizz!) but a heavy, soggy coat makes for a wholly unpleasant, not to mention chilly, experience.
Luckily, the brains behind Barbour’s iconic wax jackets have taken their 126 years of experience and applied it to this light-but-mighty waterproof.
Repelling everything, from showers to snow, you can guarantee both the polyester lining and your clothes beneath will stay perfectly dry. Simply tighten the toggles at the neck and pop up the hood when the heavens open.
Waterproof properties aside, it’s not hugely thick, but the shape is wide enough (and the sizing generous enough) that you could easily slot a chunky knit beneath it with the mercury dips.
Active types, listen up! There’s nothing worse than hiking your way to your destination only to find you’re too cold to enjoy the view when you get there.
So compact it can be easily folded into its own pocket, this jacket is the lightweight solution to plummeting temperatures and scattered showers. The durable water repellent finish provides protection from the elements, while the synthetic filling works hard to reduce heat loss.
We love a pocket (who doesn’t?) and this boasts three of them – one on the chest and two helpful hand pockets. Elasticated cuffs and hemline not only make for a flattering fit, but will keep you warm, too.
If that wasn’t enough, both the fabric and insulation of the jacket are made entirely of recycled polyester – a guilt-free buy for anyone trying to make more sustainable fashion choices.
Taking a two-pronged approach to keeping you snug, down and feathers work in tandem with padding to create Uniqlo’s warmest coat yet.
Proof that bulkier doesn’t always mean better, the upper body is packed full of soft, fluffy down, while the hood, sleeves and lower body rely on polyester padding. Combine that with the non-quilted design and you’ve got yourself a suitably sleek yet functional coat.
Unqilo has been working hard to ensure all of their partner garment factories are certified by the Responsible Down Standard.
The two-way design lets you choose between a stand collar or hood, depending on whether it’s whipping winds or pouring rain you’re battling against. For maximum durability and minimum sogginess, the outer has been treated with a water-repellent coating.
Founded in London's leafy Hampstead in 1981, Hobbs has been crafting luxe pieces for nearly 40 years. In the face of changing trends, their timeless designs never falter, making their high-quality wool coats a reliable choice season after season.
This year, it’s the Tilda that caught our eye. Available in five different shades, from neutral navy through to chic camel, the simple, single-breasted design makes for a really versatile piece. Wear yours with everything, from skirts to suits.
It’s warmth, rather than fashion, we’re concerned with here, but this delivers on both counts. Crafted from 100% wool with a polyester and viscose lining, it’s the ultimate heat-trapping layering piece. Double-button fastenings to the front give you the option to wear open or closed.
See our full Hobbs coat collection review
One of Land’s End’s most popular styles, this cosy coat has been reintroduced in fresh new colourways. So, what makes it so popular?
Thanks to a snuggly fleece lining and a layer of Thermoplume – a lightweight, synthetic alternative to down – it works to keep you nice and snug, without adding too much bulk to your frame.
It’s water-resistant and windproof too, with a chill-beating stand collar and hood, ensuring you stay warm and dry, whatever the forecast. Wear without the faux-fur trim for a simple look or add it on for a stylish touch.
Pockets at the hips come complete with concealed zips, while the interior chest pocket closes with a series of poppers. Especially handy for dog walkers, they’re big enough to store all your essentials.
Where better to invest in a quality winter coat than from high-street hero M&S?
This camel coat might not look super toasty at first glance, but trust us, the mix of wool and cashmere has been expertly blended to keep you snug.
Combine that with a luxe, silk-feel lining across the body and sleeves, and it’s clear we’re on to a warming winner. Wear open layered over knitwear or buttoned up to keep as much heat in as possible.
Sitting just below the knee, it’ll be closer to calf-skimming for petites.
To us, the addition of cashmere, plus the fact that this coat is part of M&S’s more premium Autograph range, justifies the steep price tag.
When the winter chill sets in, enjoying a jog in your favourite T-shirt or sports vest quickly becomes a shiver-inducing option.
Enter this outdoor jacket by H&M.
The cropped shape means it won’t get in the way of your performance, but it still manages to keep your chest and back snug. It’s slightly longer at the back, too, for a flattering fit.
Attached to lightweight, gilet-like padding across the body are long raglan sleeves. These have been finished off with handy thumb holes, mimicking the feel and look of a pair of gloves.
The double-layered hood is a thoughtful touch, too, and although it might not stay put when you’re running, it’s a welcome, wind-battling addition for your cooldown or walk home.
